Delegates slam CPM leadership’s ‘inaction’ on ground

VISAKHAPATNAM: The CPM leadership came under fire on Friday with many delegates at the 21st party congress pointing to its 'failure to do anything concrete' on the ground to salvage its dwindling political fortunes in recent years.

During the day-long discussion on the political line to be adopted for the next three years, many delegates, especially from Hindi-speaking states like Uttar Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Bihar, were critical of the party leadership for not doing enough to stem the slide. Instead, as one delegate said, the party leadership keeps producing documents that are never fully implemented. "Leadership thinks that party can be revived through these documents but it is not happening," the delegate said.

Politburo member Sitaram Yechury admitted that the Hindi belt has been party's Achilles heel. He said party will have to take up issues of social oppression and economic exploitation together to mark its presence in this belt.

Growing anger of delegates also reflected in the manner they sought votes for amendments moved by them. A senior party leader said, "It is a serious matter. Even when delegates know their amendment will not get through, they demand voting. It shows they are angry." In fact, all the amendments that were accepted before adopting the review of political line on Thursday were put to vote. In case of resolution on new political line, 2552 amendments and 248 suggestions were received before the party congress began out of which 71 were accepted. A new set of amendments have been moved during the conclave and a clearer picture will emerge on Saturday.

Insisting that the new political line will stress on CPM gaining independent strength, Yechury said only if party gains in strength its intervention will be strong. He said alliances are sustainable only if there are made on the ground. He said there are fundamental differences with Congress since it is responsible for coming of NDA. Asked about youth not getting attracted to CPM, Yechury said, "It is not true they are not interested in politics. They are not getting attracted to us. We need to do something about it."

Sitaram Yechury evaded queries on who would succeed Prakash Karat as CPM general secretary at the end of the party congress. "This is not in the agenda now. He will be selected on the last day by the new Central Committee. Traditionally, a name is proposed by the outgoing general secretary. But according to the party constitution, any CC member can propose a name," Yechury said. Asked if knowledge of Hindi is important for the general secretary, he said, "Of course." Praising the inner democracy in his party, Yechury said the general secretary is not elected on the basis of remote control like RSS or 'dynasty'. Till now there has been no voting for electing new general secretary and it has been done through consensus.

Karat will step down after completion of his third term, the maximum granted as per the party constitution.

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